Medical breakthrough: Scientists grow functioning human intestinal tissue from stem cells

Dec 20 2010

Emerging Healthcare Solutions was encouraged by the latest breakthrough in stem cell research this week when scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center announced that they've grown functioning human intestinal tissue from stem cells for the first time.

“Medical breakthroughs that once seemed like science fiction are becoming almost routine thanks to stem cell research”

The new intestinal tissue created in the lab absorbed nutrients and secreted the chemicals that help the intestine digest and metabolize food as well protect itself from bacteria—essentially performing all of the functions of a healthy human intestine. The astonishing achievement could pave the way to growing new intestinal tissue for transplantation into patients. The findings were published online Sunday in the journal Nature.

The laboratory growth of functional human intestinal tissue from induced pluripotent cells is only the latest in a string of medical breakthroughs involving stem cells. Earlier this week, doctors in Germany announced the discovery of a potential cure for AIDS using HIV-resistant stem cells to replace infected blood cells.

"Medical breakthroughs that once seemed like science fiction are becoming almost routine thanks to stem cell research," said EHSI President and CEO Cindy Morrissey. "It's a very exciting time to be involved with stem cells, because every new breakthrough increases demand for stem cell therapies across the globe."

Emerging Healthcare Solutions is taking a worldwide approach to developing new stem cell treatments. Earlier this month, EHSI acquired Celulas Genetica, a Central American leader in stem-cell technology acquisition and development. In November, Morrissey established EHSI business offices in Frankfurt, Germany, and Warsaw, Poland. Those offices will allow the company to maintain long-term relationships with some of the world's foremost stem-cell researchers and entrepreneurs based in Central and Western Europe.

Source: Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc.